Category Archives: News & Events

Try Angle Awards 2019

The Dartford Youth Council has been honoured for its benevolent work at the annual Try Angle Awards Ceremony at Princes Park, Dartford FC.

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DYC Secretary and Treasurer, Ricky and Toju, joined by Chairman of Kent County Council and Dartford Youth Council Portfolio Holder, Cllr Ann Allen MBE – Credit: Dartford Youth Council

The awards were introduced in 1994 to raise the profile of young people in the community who really TRY, often with little or no recognition, to do their best.

Over the past year, Dartford Youth Councillors have given young people a voice as well as many new opportunities through their Monthly Meetings, their involvement with the Dartford Youth Advisory Group and representation at the annual Remembrance Parade and Dartford Festival.

Reflecting on an inspirational night, Toju, Dartford Youth Council’s Treasurer commented: “The awards night was wonderful; hearing the stories of all the winners and the struggles some had to overcome at such a young age shows the resilience and strength of young people nowadays. It also keeps me motivated to carry on the good work DYC does for those in the community of all ages and backgrounds.”

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DYC Secretary Ricky Taing joined by Joseph Bullock, Dartford District Positive Intervention award winner – Credit: Ricky Taing, Secretary

Dartford Youth Councillor Krista added: “The Try Angle Awards was very inspirational as so many young people have done good things not only for themselves, but also for others too, and it was nice to see that they get recognition for what they have done.”

Other young people including artists, musicians, activists and other people who really TRY were recognised at the event, with winners coming from Sevenoaks, Gravesham and Dartford to celebrate at Dartford’s Princes Park.

For more details about the Try Angle Awards, click here.

Category Winner
Arts GYG Prop Committee, Gravesend
Music Matthew Wadey, Rochester
Sport or outdoor activities Chrystal Touch, Gravesend
Community action UASC Champions, Ashford
Good friends and young carers Megan Chandler, Gravesend
Personal development Horses 4 Health, Gravesend
Courage Keyleigh Nash, New Ash Green
Positive intervention Youth Naage, Gravesend
Rafal Kotowicz and Young Interpreters – Gravesend
Category Winner
Arts Oliver Winter, Hawley
Music Teddy Dann, Dartford
Sport or outdoor activities Bailey Eaton, Dartford
Community action Dartford Youth Council, Dartford
Good friends and young carers Ryan Reeves, Dartford
Personal development Elle Green, Swanscombe
Courage Annie Gale, Dartford
Positive intervention Joseph Bullock, Dartford
Category Winner
Arts Matthew Elgar, Sevenoaks
Sport or outdoor activities Zak Barton, Swanley
Community action Tia Batchelor, Four Elms
Good friends and young carers Daniel Gurney, Sevenoaks
Personal development Nizamuddin Oryakhail, West Kingsdown
Courage Jake Starr, Sevenoaks
Positive intervention Nia Brown, Edenbridge

The Chairman-Elect’s Civic Reception

Secretary of the Dartford Youth Council and Spirit of Try Angle Award finalist was invited by the Chairman of Kent County Council, Cllr Ann Allen MBE to perform at the reception of her Civic Reception.

Those present include the Lord Mayor of Canterbury as well as the mayors of other districts, the Deputy Lieutenant Stephen Kingsman, Honorary Aldermen, Kent County Council councillors, as well as members of Kent Youth County Council with the Chairman’s focus this year on working with young people.

Also present were representatives from the Young Lives Foundation – this is a dedicated children’s charity tirelessly working to improve the lives of young people through volunteering schemes, mentoring and more.

Spirit of Try Angle 2018

By Ricky, Secretary

Twenty-four finalists from this year’s Try Angle Awards were awarded prizes in recognition of their hard work and commitment at the Ashford International Hotel in the Spirit of Try Angle Awards celebration evening.

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The 24 finalists – Credit: Kent County Council

Various dignitaries and sponsors attended such as Bill Butler, who created the awards in 1994 to raise the profile of young people who really TRY, often with little or no recognition who try their best.

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Ricky Taing collecting the Personal Achievement in Music award – Credit: Kent County Council

To nominate someone for the Try Angle Awards 2019, please see the Try Angle Awards website for more details: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/young-people/try-angle-awards

Jessica Austin

Gravesham finalist, aged 16

An outstanding and flawless performer and singer, who has grown in confidence on and off stage and in her support to the Gifted Young Gravesham (GYG) committee.

Marcus Stephens

Maidstone finalist, aged 17

An incredible screenwriter and actor who has written, created and produced a successful screenplay to reflect personal experiences of mental health issues and an insight of young people living with the reality of depression.

Nathan Williams

Canterbury finalist, aged 12

A truly inspirational artist with an amazing superpower who has found sanctuary in drawing and painting, going on to produce now some outstanding art pieces despite many daily challenges.

Archie Mitchell

Tonbridge and Malling finalist, aged 16

An outstanding volunteer and fundraiser for many good causes and supporting his local parish, bringing much needed life saving equipment and training to his community and more.

Mason Rickard

Gravesham finalist, aged 17

Not only an incredible host, but an aspirational leader and Chair for the H4U committee raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing, a voice on hate crime. Giving every waking hour to raising the profile of H4U and young people.

Oasis Academy

Swale finalist, aged 12-14

A dedicated group endlessly promoting dementia awareness, encouraging incredible friendships and support through their dementia cafes, presentations and activities to those suffering and their carers.

Abigail Stilwell

Maidstone finalist, aged 18

An extremely courageous person who heroically strives to overcome barriers in life, including physical to pursue her goals whatever pain she is in or whatever life throws.

Chloe Anne Manzi

Thanet finalist, aged 18

An extraordinary young carer who supports both parents, and her siblings who bravely stepped into action calmly to administering life-saving skills.

Freddie Newing

Ashford finalist, aged 18

An amazing and brave young man diagnosed with leukaemia, an ambassador for young people and a fundraiser raising money Cancer Research to support others.

Alena Bryen

Maidstone finalist, aged 12

A remarkable young person providing over 55 hours per week caring for others within her family across three different households – giving all her time and energy to support those she cares for.

Eloise Fryett

Tunbridge Wells finalist, aged 16

An amazing young carer, often in many difficult and frightening circumstances, relaying clear information to the emergency services. Always remaining calm and reassuring to all those around her.

Stephanie Coutside

Swale finalist, aged 14

An incredibly brave and supportive friend, that despite her own issues put everything aside to be the best friend she could possibly be and support her friend in her final months.

David Richardson

Ashford finalist, aged 18

A talented guitarist, musician and volunteer giving much time and support to others, to encourage them to do well at school in particularly music.

Owen Barnett

Thanet finalist, aged 18

A fine composer, way beyond his years specialising in choral music and studying now at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, completing regularly with composers worldwide. YouTube: CCGS Advanced Vocal Ensemble

Ricky Taing

Dartford finalist, aged 15

A much recognised musician excelling in piano, flute and general musicianship playing at a number of prestigious venues.  As well as encouraging others to take up a musical instrument.

Niamh Lynn-Devere

Canterbury finalist, aged 17

A resilient young person who despite many challenges including dyspraxia and grief, has shown unbelievable strength, determination and confidence to throw herself into everything especially performing arts.

Tahlia Davies

Dover finalist, aged 14

An incredible young person, aspiring others having turned her own life around.  Making tremendous efforts through sheer determination to succeed both at home and school.

Tyrone Waters

Maidstone finalist, aged 16

An incredible young person, aspiring others having turned her own life around.  Making tremendous efforts through sheer determination to succeed both at home and school.

Joshua Kilembeka

Dartford finalist, aged 18

An inspirational young person sharing his story to assist in the prevention of young people getting involved in gangs, drugs and weapons, and those within the criminal justice system.

Manel Gomez

Sevenoaks finalist, aged 15

A remarkable positive person who ensures young people have a voice and a safe place to speak out about their sexuality and other issues that impact on their lives.

Nathan James

Canterbury finalist, aged 15

A determined and driven young person who does so much to raise awareness for mental health and promote positive well-being for young people, via online blogs, social media and many other creative projects.

Joshua and Henry

Maidstone finalist, aged 15 and 12

Both are keen and highly successful footballers for Maidstone United Raiders Disability Football Club, winning cups, medals and leagues as well as overcoming many challenges.

Kaylea Fryer

Folkestone and Hythe finalist, aged 17

A modest sportsperson and outstanding goalkeeper for Folkestone Invicta Under 18’s squad, and so happens to be a black belt in karate chosen to represent Team GB in the world championships, with possibility of Olympic selection.

William Hunt

Dover finalist, aged 15

An all-round sports star focusing on his passion for Rugby, playing and captaining for The Saracens. Captains a number of sport disciplines and successfully competing in athletic competitions also in 800m and 1500m events.

 

Ypres 2018

By Ricky, Secretary

Members of DYC had the opportunity to attend a one-day trip to Ypres to visit the Menin Gate, and other museums and cemeteries.

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We started the day off in the early morning at Dartford Borough Council where we were then promptly picked up by coach to go to Dover.

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We enjoyed playing several games of card games Cheat! and Go Fish! on the ferry before we were welcomed by the sunny weather at Calais.

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The ceremony at Menin Gate was a great time to reflect on the fallen soldiers who fought for our lives today.

The Dartford Youth Councillors, yet weary, enjoyed the trip.

 

Cooking Masterclass at DSTC

By Ricky, Secretary

Supported by the community chef, Dartford Youth Councillors had a go at making their very own sweet and sour chicken noodles!

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Chef demonstrating how to make the sweet and sour base for the sweet and sour stir-fry – Credit: David, Web Admin

It was a great dish for all of the youth councillors to cook as we all had a different ability level in cooking.

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Chairman Omolayo cooking the rice noodles! – Credit: David, Web Admin

After making the food, we had the opportunity to eat.

Yum, yum!

Try Angle Awards 2018

By Ricky, Secretary

Some of Dartford’s most inspirational young people were presented with a range of awards from a project by Kent County Council at the Bridge 4 Young People.

The Bridge 4 Young People is a youth hub where young people can socialise, and have fun! They have a wide range of activities such as the Dartford Music Hub from Kent Music, and more.

They have an art and music studio where young people can make use of the wide range of facilities such as the pianos and electric guitars.

Dartford Youth Councillors who were also volunteers for the youth hub helped out with the awards ceremony.

Dartford Youth Councillors along with other young volunteers helped out with the awards ceremony – Credit: Zoe Harris, Youth Hub Delivery Manager

 

The nomination process took place during the summer, and judges decided who would be the winner of each category, such as Music and Art.

Category Winner
Arts Andy Underwood, Swanscombe
Music Ricky Taing, Dartford
Community action Nana Afriyie, Dartford
Good friends and young carers Hannah Saxby, Swanscombe
Personal development Matthew Dawe, Dartford
Courage Emily Fowler, Dartford
Positive intervention Joshua Kilembeka, Dartford

After the ceremony, the district winners will be notified if they have reached the Spirit of Try Angle Awards final.

Service of Remembrance

By Ricky, Secretary

100 years ago marked the end of the First World War which killed over 40 million people. Today, Dartford Youth Councillors, as well as representatives from other organisations, paraded and presented a wreath at the annual Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial at Central Park.

Other youth organisations and groups such as the Sea Cadets Corps and the Air Training Corps attended the service and paraded around Dartford with the youth council.

Various dignitaries attended such as the Mayor of Dartford Cllr David Mote, Gareth Johnson MP, Cllr Ann Allen MBE, Headmaster of Dartford Grammar School John Oakes, and the Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite MBE.

Music was performed by the Bexleyheath Branch of the Salvation Army and the choir of Holy Trinity Church, Dartford with prayers given from the Reverend Andrew Avery.

 

Elections 2018-2019

By Ricky, Secretary

Dartford Youth Council elected its new Executive Committee to serve from 2018-19, with a great number of candidates for the various positions.

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Dartford Youth Council’s Executive Committee with the other youth councillors in the October Monthly Council Meeting – Credit: Toju, Web Administrator

We welcomed a number of students from new schools such as the Leigh Academy and Wilmington Academy. The candidates running for a position all had their speech, and they were voted democratically by the youth council and staff as a whole.

We welcomed Toju Uweja, David Martin Garcia, Princess and Danielle into the Executive Committee for the first time, as well as some members who were re-elected including myself holding the post of Secretary, Omolayo Oluwadare, now as Chairman and Thomas Gebbett, now as Vice Chair.

We must still give thanks to all of the candidates who were not successful, as well as those who have moved on to further education or left to pursue their careers.

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The Dartford Youth Council team of 2017-18 – Credit: Joshua Grills, Former Vice Chairman (2017-18) and Web Administrator (2016-17)

Dartford Youth Council thanks Matthew D’Costa, Joshua Grills, James Rolls and Tsemaye for serving the Executive Committee from the previous academic year.

vInspired Awards

By Ricky, Secretary

The vInspired Awards are a set of nationally-recognised prestigious awards for volunteers. The award scheme is extremely flexible so it can account for your needs.

The initiative has four awards: the v10 for ten hours of volunteering, v30, v50 and ultimately, the v100. Their intuitive website allows you to record your volunteering progress as you add your hours, with graphic evidence to support your records.

Moreover, the website provides a function for you to find the closest volunteering opportunities, as well as match your favourite recreational hobbies to what roles would fit you.

Personally, I gained my v50 and v100 through my work with the Dartford Youth Council by managing and participating in various events such as the Dartford Festival.

I’ve cherished gaining the awards, as this is something credible that I can place on my CV, personal statement, and it’ll help me in the near future as it contributes through UCAS points.

I wholeheartedly recommend any young volunteers to participate in this credible scheme, as it is free, and most importantly, is a credible point to have on documents when you apply for jobs in the real world.